CRKD Nitro Deck+ GBAtemp review
Hardware
Product Information:
- Official Store: https://crkd.gg/pages/ndplus
In late 2023, CRKD launched the Nitro Deck, a feature-rich controller grip for the Nintendo Switch. In my review for the accessory, I noted that it upgrades nearly every aspect of the Switch’s controls. This is still very much the case but the device could have benefitted from some additional features. CRKD has now released a revamped version of its controller grip, the Nitro Deck+, stating that it was designed following community feedback. We’ll see what these upgrades are and if they are worthwhile in this review.
CRKD Nitro Deck+ contents and specs
On the official CRKD website, the Nitro Deck+ alone costs €80, while the Nitro Deck+ and HDMI Adapter combo is priced at €90. Pre-orders for the controller grip do include the HDMI adapter as a free gift though. The package comes with the following items:
- Nitro Deck+
- Branded microfiber string bag
- USB-C to HDMI adapter (optional)
Some of the Nitro Deck+'s features are as follows:
New hardware, new features
CRKD brings back a quality build with the Nitro Deck+. The accessory feels sturdy while packing a premium look and feel. The buttons and triggers deliver a satisfying feedback, are of high material and don’t rattle whatsoever.
Notable hardware changes with the Nitro Deck+ are the symmetrical joystick layout and two side buttons. The joysticks are still Hall effect-based, doing away with stick drift concerns and the toppers are easily removable (and compatible with CRKD’s other toppers). This new placement might address some issues that some users of the original Nitro Deck had, where some found the right stick to require some reach. As for the other buttons, they are all easily within reach, and the mappable back and side buttons further facilitates quick access.
There are two colour variants of the Nitro Deck+, namely the Clear Black and Clear White models. The former version was provided for this review and I am quite fond of the clear front shell which has a nostalgic appeal. I do wish that the back was also clear, but that’s my personal preference. The back of the product is solid black and is textured around the handles to provide some grip.
The hardware quality attests to CRKD’s craftsmanship and the company doesn’t disappoint with the Nitro Deck+.
However, like the original Nitro Deck, the updated version is still quite chunky. It adds considerable thickness to the Switch and practically doubles its weight while in use. I do wish that the Nitro Deck+ was made thinner, or at least lighter. But considering the extra buttons and ports, this might not be feasible. Let’s take a look at those extra features in the next section.
Incremental, yet useful upgrades
When it comes down to it, the changes to the Nitro Deck+ are mostly incremental. The product is not radically different from its predecessor and it’s on purpose. CRKD wants both the Nitro Deck and Nitro Deck+ to coexist and cater to different preferences. They share most features, save for a few extra ones on the new model.
As with the original product, the Nitro Deck+ is compatible with the original Switch and the Switch OLED. You’ll need to detach the Joy-Cons from the screen and slide the screen into the controller grip in order to first use it. With the Nitro Deck+, CRKD has improved the ejection system. The slider needs a little bit of extra push and it gently pops the console out a bit for easy removal.
When in use, you might need to get accustomed to the new symmetrical joystick layout. But it can be advantageous and more comfortable if you’re playing games that require the use of both joysticks constantly such as competitive shooting games where you need to adjust the camera for aiming. This layout can also cater to personal preferences for a symmetrical layout and this is one of the few options on the market for the Switch.
With this layout, the A/B/X/Y face buttons require a bit more of a reach to access. CRKD has taken this into consideration and has addressed it with the additional side buttons. By default, they are mapped to A and B, so that you can easily access them with your thumb with minimal travel distance. There are also four back buttons that you can map to X/Y or other face/shoulder buttons based on your needs and preferences.
You can customise the mapping, including turbo and combination of button presses, on the device itself with a combination of button presses. Alternatively, the CRKD companion app also allows you to perform some of these customisations, as well as toggle no-dead zone mode, update the device’s firmware, adjust rumble and trigger sensitivity. This is because the Nitro Deck+ has Bluetooth functionality and can pair to the app when the Switch is docked into it. I’ve been positively impressed by the progress that the CRKD team has made with the app as it is more functional with useful features that allow you to easily customise your Nitro Deck.
One feature that was missing from the original Nitro Deck was the ability to use it in docked mode. CRKD has addressed this by integrating HDMI out in the Nitro Deck+. With a USB-C to HDMI adapter, you can connect the Nitro Deck+ to an external display via HDMI (keep in mind the Nitro Deck+ needs to also be connected to a power supply at the same time). This is a very handy feature that doubles the Nitro Deck+ as a standalone dock for the Switch, really making it an all-in-one accessory.
As the Nitro Deck+ can pair over Bluetooth, you can also pair it to your Switch via Bluetooth if you prefer, instead of the USB-C connection. Another new feature of this new controller grip is that it can also be used as an extra controller without the console in the deck to game on the Switch or PC. You can connect it to your docked Switch or PC with a USB cable and you can use it as a regular controller. Having these extra means to use the controller grip is definitely welcome as they make the device more versatile.
Nitro Deck+: keeping the good bits, improving the rest
Overall, the Nitro Deck+ is a net improvement over the original Nitro Deck. Even if the changes are incremental, they are very welcome and well thought-out ones. On top of that, this new model does not take away what made the original great. It still has great build quality, Hall effect-based joysticks, a better kickstand, supports rumble and gyro, and has a proper D-pad. It improves with a new layout that can be more ergonomic for first and third person games, and has more customisation options thanks to the new programmable side buttons and more connectivity options.
That said, there are some improvements that could have made it even better. By doubling the Nitro Deck+ as a dock, CRKD has shown that it has been listening to user feedback. But having a separate dongle is not the most elegant way to address this need. The device could have seamlessly integrated an HDMI port to make it more sleek, and you would not have to attach a separate device every time you need to play on a bigger display.
What could also be integrated is a built-in battery that would also make the Nitro Deck+ work as a power bank to provide your Switch with some extra juice. This was the main feature that I felt was lacking on the original Nitro Deck but it has not been addressed in this model either. Sure, it would add extra weight but it would be a compromise I would be happy to make for extra gaming time.
Hopefully these are considered in CRKD’s next product, which might be geared towards the Switch’s successor (if it has a handheld mode). But if you want to give a boost to your Switch’s lifespan, you can’t go wrong with the Nitro Deck+. If you were on the fence with the first model, this updated one addresses most of its issues and offers a more rounded product. But if you have the original Nitro Deck already, you might want to wait for the Switch’s successor, unless you really want symmetrical joysticks and two extra programmable buttons.
Verdict
- Doubles as a dock
- Programmable side buttons
- Welcome range of new connection modes
- Improved app features
- Clear front shell aesthetics
- HDMI port not integrated and relies on an adapter
- Still adds considerable thickness to the Switch
- Does not double as a power bank, despite the size
